Other Peregrine Projects > USA Peregrines
MN / Burnsville-Black Dog - 2009-13
The Peregrine Chick:
Keep in mind, that even with those loses, I believe the survival rates for the species have improved (though some nests might do badly more often than not). And keep in mind, we know when the birds die when they hit a stack, turbine, powerline, building, squirrel, but that is only a few relatively speaking to the number that die anonymously so to speak in their first year.
It is wonderful news from Xcel and well and truly above and beyond their responsibility to the birds at their plants. It is perfectly acceptable to project managers to say, "this site just won't work" and remove the nestbox for good. The peregrines are perfectly capable of finding somewhere new, with or without our assistance, though in cases like these, project managers tend to provide them with options nearby in order to retain successful pairs within an existing territory. Good for the birds, good for their fans and good for the project.
carly:
Great news Alison! I was worried when I read they'd take the nest box down - worried they'd return and try to nest out on an open area somewhere and meet with more disaster! But for them to do this is amazing!! Not only will the falcons be able to nest but they won't have to worry about falling into the stacks!
I was reading the other day that in the southern US, over 50% of birds that nest near power plants down there end up dying there either by falling into the stacks or flying into power grids and such. Very tragic as they seem to love nesting at them. Very happy to hear that these guys are willing to spend money to help save the peregrine falcon...they go on my 'good list' ;)
allikat:
Excellent news on the screen! What an improvement and relief!
I could of possibly gotten the websites mixed up Alison. When I was watching these sites this year, the male didn't seem to interested in covering up or feeding a new born chick. Again, I could have possily gotten some websites mixed up. And, if I did, that's my fault!
Alison:
--- Quote from: allikat on October 05, 2009, 22:29 ---Let's hope that next year Dad is a little better with the chicks...Dad managed to get himself out of trouble as I'm sure the female gave him an earfull ::)
--- End quote ---
I'm not quite sure what you mean by the statement about Dad, Allikat? This is the second year at this nest for both Dad and his mate, Mandy Rose. Each year, they have had four chicks, and Dad has done a great job providing for his family. Feeding four didn't seem to bother him at all.
The problem at this nest has been the gas turbine: three of last year's chicks were found dead at the bottom of the turbine, and earlier last year the former resident female, Nora, and a juvenile also named Nora, were found dead there. Installing pigeon spikes did not work to solve the problem; this year one dead juvie (Gandalf) and one live juvie (who was released) were found at the base of the turbine.
For this reason, it was decided that the nest would be taken down. However, there is great news from Amy of Raptor Resource:
Great news on Blackdog! Xcel Energy decided to put a screen over the natural gas stack to prevent peregrines and other birds from entering and getting trapped. We are so pleased - this will be an expensive endeavor, and while Xcel has been a great partner in peregrine recovery and management, we didn't expect this! They will be putting the screen up sometime in January.
Mandy Rose today:
allikat:
Let's hope that next year Dad is a little better with the chicks...Dad managed to get himself out of trouble as I'm sure the female gave him an earfull ::)
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